Ramble On: My favorite apps that border on addiction

Ever since I got the iPhone a few months back, I can't seem to quit downloading apps. For some reason, I am completely addicted to searching for apps, updating apps and finding apps on every subject I am even remotely interested in.

Looking at my list of apps right now, I find that I have downloaded some stuff that I normally wouldn't even care about. I have six car apps that do everything from estimate how much repairs should cost to finding the value of a car. I even have one that will help me log mileage to and from places.

I have three news apps that all have to do with NPR in some way, shape or form. I have six that are dedicated to making drinks, two for music and I even have one that will teach me (and my child) sign language.

To be honest, I think this is getting a little out of hand. I don't know if I am going overboard or if I should be downloading more apps to fill out the screen. I seem to spend more time playing games or checking my Facebook app than I do actually talking to real human beings.

There has to be a reason for this, right? I mean, I'm not the only one addicted to apps of all kinds am I? To justify my app addiction, I have decided to provide a list of my favorite apps and why I love them so much. Maybe they will let me write off a couple of them on my taxes. The fact is, 99 cents adds up really quick when you are shopping the App Store.

Angry Birds — This is obviously the favorite app of pretty much everyone, and I am proud to be among them. The games is so simple and, honestly, repetitive, but there is something about it that won't allow you to put it down. I played every level of Angry Birds, but now I have this compulsion to play it until I get three stars on every level. It's really a sickness. But it's a sickness that gives me something to do while waiting at the doctor's office or for my oil change to finish up.

CardStar — I didn't know this existed until a few weeks ago when Michael Staton told me about it. You know all those cards you have to lug around to get the best deal at grocery stores, pharmacies and even electronics stores? Well, you can store those cards on your phone and have them in one place. No more fumbling through your wallet looking for your CVS card. Just fumble for your phone, turn on the app and give your $200 smartphone to the cashier. OK, it doesn't sound like the smartest thing to do, but it really is convenient.

The Weather Channel — I check this three, four and five times a day. I am always looking for the recent weather updates and The Weather Channel is the best place to do it. It's free, it's usually pretty accurate and you can get satellite images from Super Doplers and what-have-you. A must have for the weather geek and app addict in all of us.

Beerallels — This is a beer pairing app that gives you suggestions on what food to pair with what beer. It's a brilliant idea and it really is handy when trying to come up with a good beer that will go great with a steak or a burger or that giant plate of Mexican you are craving.

Square — Did you know you can take credit cards on your phone? Anyone can do it. All you have to do is order a Square device for your phone, start an account and go. Now, if anyone owes you money, you don't have to take the old "I don't have any cash" excuse. Just get their credit or debit card and roll. There is a fee to do it, but you can pass that along to the guy who owes you cash.

Skype — I was skeptical at first, but that Skype thing really works. Now I can chat with my far away family and friends and see when they are rolling their eyes at something stupid I said. It's a little weird on the iPhone 3GS because there is no front-facing camera, but if you hold it up to a mirror everyone can see you.

ESPN — I need sports updates all the time. It's just a fact my wife has to deal with. And now that I have a smartphone, I can get that with the ESPN ScoreCenter app. Good lord, what did we ever do without smartphones? Life was so hard five years ago.